Just north of Dallas, Denton is preparing to host its 35th annual Denton Arts & Jazz Festival this September. The long-running, free celebration is set to bring three days of live music, visual art, crafts, food vendors, family activities, and community performances to town.
When and where is the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival
This year, the festival is moving from Quakertown Park to the North Texas Fairgrounds, at 2217 North Carroll Boulevard. The new venue offers 33 acres of space – creating more room for artists, dancers, vendors, and audiences.
The 2026 Denton Arts & Jazz Festival runs from Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13. The festival hours are as such:
- September 11: 3 pm – 11 pm
- September 12: 10 am – 11 pm
- September 13: 11 am – 9 pm
Music at the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival
As of this moment, the festival has not yet released its lineup of headliners. Though jazz remains the festival’s anchor, visitors can expect live music across the spectrum of genre. The program traditionally incorporates blues, folk, country, rock, Tejano, conjunto, Tex-Mex, and polka, alongside jazz and performances associated with the region’s universities and community music organizations.
Art, Food, And Festival Atmosphere
Music is only one part of the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival. The grounds will also feature fine art, handmade crafts, games, information booths, and activities for children.
The festival’s six food courts are expected to offer everything from barbecue, burgers, turkey legs, roasted corn, funnel cakes, and fresh lemonade to Asian, Cajun, Mexican, Greek, Italian, and other international dishes. Beer, wine, coffee, soft drinks, bottled water, and frozen beverages will also be available.
The event offers children’s activities and games, while adults can browse art booths, listen to live music, and sample food from local and visiting vendors.
The 2026 Denton Arts & Jazz Festival will take place at the North Texas Fairgrounds, located at 2217 North Carroll Boulevard in Denton.
Admission remains free, reflecting the Denton Festival Foundation’s long-standing aim of making music and the arts accessible to the public.
